Nigeria’s downstream oil and gas sector faces potential disruption due to a dispute between the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Dangote Refinery.

Dangote plans to import and operate 4,000 compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered trucks for nationwide petroleum distribution. While seen as innovative, the move threatens existing tanker drivers under NUPENG, as Dangote reportedly plans to hire new drivers barred from joining unions.

NUPENG views this as a violation of workers’ rights and international labour standards.

Despite multiple appeals, Dangote and his partner, MRS, allegedly continue recruiting non-union drivers. The union accuses Dangote of monopolising fuel distribution, undermining livelihoods, and betraying workers who supported the refinery’s development.

Unless resolved, NUPENG threatens to begin a nationwide strike on September 8, 2025, halting fuel loading operations. This could trigger severe petrol, diesel, and LPG shortages, worsen inflation, and disrupt Nigeria’s clean cooking energy transition.

The standoff highlights deeper issues of labour rights, corporate power, and equity in Nigeria’s energy sector. If left unchecked, it risks escalating into a national industrial crisis, further straining fuel supply chains and public welfare. The federal government’s intervention is now critical to prevent a breakdown.